The concept of Note To Self revolves around the characters’ inner monologues, delivered in real-time from improvisers right off-stage. Rumble discusses his vision for the show, which ends up being as poignant as often as it is funny.

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WitOut: What types of moments do you hope Note To Self will explore that aren’t funny but simply profound/cathartic? How do you hope to package these moments in a way that suits the context of comedy theater?

Brian Rumble: It’s tough to say. For me, I’d be thrilled if the Note to Self world closes in a far different place than it opened. One of the key elements to this show is the fact that, in a persistent world, every choice has consequences. I want to see these characters struggle with these choices and come out changed on the other side. And these don’t have to be monumental changes. Just human ones, ones that build and maybe even fester over ten shows.

The comedy part of this show has been the least of my concerns because I think the concept is inherently funny and the cast are some of the funniest and smartest people I’ve ever met. The voyeurism in the show gives us a lot of tools to play with and even in the more profound or challenging scenes there’s the comic relief of the internal monologue. Hearing what someone wishes he could say against what they should or have to say is pretty great, even in some of the tougher moments.

WitOut: In an improvised show of this kind, lasting several nights, is there any concern about finding themes or beats and gravitating back towards them over the course of the run? Is the show entirely improvised?

Rumble: Events on the stage are entirely improvised. Each show starts with a “note to self” written by the audience to which the cast is not privy and the show builds from there. However, we do have a lot of structure created from this persistent world. So we have guidance on how characters will react to certain situations and how they’e expected to behave in different facets of their lives (work versus home, for example).

Finding the best themes is really just a matter of finding the most important ones. What do these characters care about most? Or, better yet, what do they want the most? Those themes will be so prevalent throughout the run of shows because we will hear the characters obsessing over them, even if they’re not able to act on them. The fun thing, of course, is that the entire cast can hear these wants and needs, too, and they can make achieving them as difficult as possible.

WitOut: Which of these performers are you particularly excited about directing, and why?

Rumble: I am so thrilled to be working with this entire group. Most of them are performers with whom I’d never worked before and I think all of them are among the best improvisers in the city. They’re a special group who came together instantly during auditions and they’ve not only brought this concept to life but they’ve been vital to helping me figure out all the moving pieces of what is, to be honest, a very challenging project. They’re the best co-directors I could have asked for and their enthusiasm for this whole thing has made the process so much easier.

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For more on Note To Self, visit Figment Theater. Note To Self runs Thursday through Saturday @ 8:00pm and Sunday @ 3:00pm. Figment Theater is located at the Asian Arts Initiative, 1219 Vine St.

Tonight, Figment Theater takes roots with the debut of Sessions at Studio C, from their new space at the Asian Arts Initiative in (ahem) studio C, located on 1219 Vine Street between 12th and 13th.

Executive director Matt Nelson had a few words about the transition from vagabond to improv establishment.

“We’re overwhelmed by the support we’ve received over the past year. Our goal has been to create a permanent space to nurture and showcase artistic talent, with a foundation of risk, innovation and collaboration. Tonight marks a modest but big step forward in bringing that idea to fruition.”

Sessions at Studio C opens tonight with The Chain w/ Becca Trabin & Guests, and Night of 10 Minute Shows w/ Maggy Keegan and Caitlin Weigel. Maggy and Caitlin talk more about Night of 10 Minute Shows in this interview on Figment Theater’s website.–“We’re doing 5 different ten minute shows, each with an absurdly specific and bizarre premise. I’m a sucker for theme parties and that’s what these feel like to me – the improv version of ten minute theme parties.” Also appearing on the show will be Corin Wells, Dan Corkery, Dave Piccinetti, Derrick Hackett, and Frank Farrell.

We just added two shows to the calendar for Thursday and Saturday. The last nights of a run of shows called A Series of Dangerous Fools features improv from Thomas Fowler & Mary Carpenter, with special guests. Produced by Figment Theater and running at the Vox Populi gallery on 11th Street between Vine and Callowhill, Fools is $5 bucks at the door and has different featured improvisers each night.

On Saturday, it’s John Hughes High Minisode 1(the fictional world of John Hughes High is explored when Lucy [Kristin Finger] and Principal Hines [Kevin Regan] meet with an admissions recruiter from OSU [Thomas Fowler]), John Hughes High Minisode 2 – (Ox [Frank Farrell] and his father [Thomas Fowler] sit down for a meeting with Coach [Eoin O’Shea] to discuss some worrisome poetry that’s been uncovered), Fowler-Roney-O’Shea – (Thomas Fowler, Steve Roney & Eoin O’Shea unite for a special one-night-only set), and Origin Story – (Alli Soowal, Brian Ratcliffe, Eoin O’Shea, Joe Sabatino, Kelly Jennings, Kristin Finger, Mary Carpenter and Steve Roney and Thomas Fowler trace the origin of how a superhero is born).

Philadelphia improvised theater company Figment Theater will be holding auditions for their production of Slasher: An Improvised Homage to Horror Films of the 70s & 80s, running October 17-27, 2013. Auditions will be held by appointment only on June 1-2 and may be reserved by emailing contact information, availability and headshot/resume (if available) to: auditions@figmenttheater.org. More about Slasher from Figment’s website:

Throughout four months of rehearsal, the cast will explore the themes and characteristics that have defined horror films, delving deep into the elements that shaped the classic slasher subgenre that saw incredible success in the 70s and 80s. Although the show will play up the now campy storylines and special effects for maximum humor, auditioners are warned that the inspirational source material as well as the work produced on stage will contain elements of gore, terror, sexuality and language that many not be suitable or comfortable for all. Please use your own discretion as to whether you’ll be able to handle the viewing research required for all cast members.

All performance positions are non-paid, non-equity. Figment Theater is Equal Opportunity, and encourages all performers to audition regardless of race, ethnic or national origin, sex, religion, disability or age.

For more information on Figment Theater and their upcoming shows and events visit figmenttheater.org.

The seventh annual Troika Tournament, presented by Figment Theater in partnership with The Sideshow came to a conclusion this Saturday with Law and Order: LOL (Alex Newman, Andrew Stanton, and Nicole Labrecque) taking home the title, along with a cash prize. The group performed a show with scenes and characters stylized after the popular television franchise including detectives, assistant district attorneys and CSI personnel.

The group bested efforts from Round One winners Improv Against Humanity (Alli Soowal, JP Boudwin, and Kevin Pettit) and Round Two champs Craft (Jason Grimley, Marc Reber, and Sue Jay)

If you have any Philly comedy news for us to mention – send it our way with an email to contact@witout.net

The Not Just Comedy Show brings its mix of stand-up, improv, and music to The Grape Room again this Tuesday for a show featuring performances by: Mikaela Hamje, Chris Wood, Scott Speegle, Dr. Tony, Bed Savage, and musical guest Rev. TJ McGlinchey.

This Wednesday through Saturday ComedySportz Philly Presents: Friends of Alcatraz at The Playground at The Adrienne Theater. The improvised puppet show for grown-ups returns with a cast featuring Kelly Vrooman, Dave Jadico, Joe Sabatino, Rob Cutler, Caitlin Weigel and Rachel Whitworth.

This Thursday the Lawnboys Comedy Showcase comes to Puck in Doylestown for a show featuring stand-up comedy from Aaron Hertzog, Omar Scruggs, Tim Raymus, Fady Khalil, and Matt Lips.

Figment Theater’s bimonthly Vagabond Sessions is back this Thursday; this time at The Maas Building (1325 N. Randolph St.) The show will feature improv performances by: The Chain, Half-Life, The AD Showcase with Andrew Stober and Maggy Keegan, and The Table.

Jay & Silent Bob’s Super Groovy Cartoon Movie will play this Thursday at The Keswick Theatre. After the feature the audience can participate in a question and answer session with Jay and Silent Bob themselves, Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes.

The Sideshow returns to The Arts Parlor this Friday to once again team up with Figment Theater for the third and final first-round match of in the annual Troika Tournament. This week will feature improv from teams comprised of: Cait O’Driscoll, Ryan Barlow, and Shannon Devido; Karen Coleman, Mike Butler, and Quinton Alexander; and Jason Grimley, Marc Reber, and Sue Jay.

ComedySportz The Blue Show returns this Friday night for the improv group’s monthly visit to a magical land where there are no penalties for being dirty.

The Captain Action Comedy Show returns to the Conshohocken Cafe this Saturday with a show hosted by Sidney Gantt and Dave Terruso featuring stand-up from: John McKeever, Ben Fidler, and Mike Logan.

The Troika Tournament comes to a conclusion this Saturday at The Sideshow when the three winners from the opening rounds battle in a head-to-head-to-head final round to determine the 2013 Troika champion.

Baltimore’s Wham City Comedy Tour makes a stop in Philadelphia this Saturday at Goldilocks Gallery (723 Chestnut St., 2nd Floor). The show is described as “a two-hour cross-genre variety show, showcasing the very best from Baltimore’s award-winning artist collective and fabled party starters. Expect stand-up sets, videos, dramatic monologues, and ensemble sketches in a tightly-run, visionary performance.” Philly’s own The New Dreamz will also perform.

If you have any Philly comedy news worth mentioning – send it our way with an email to contact@witout.net

Former Philly/current LA comedians Brendan Kennedy, Luke Giordano, and Mike Weinstein have started a new podcast, Remember Remember the Titans. The show says to be “the only podcast dedicated specifically to discussing the Disney high school football movie, Remember the Titans.” Actually, the guys tell stories, do bits, and have fun based on the topics, themes, and actors from the movie. In the first episode they are joined by former-former Philly comedian Aaron Hertzog.

This Tuesday Polygon Comedy returns to L’etage for their monthly variety show. This month, the show will feature stand-up from Christian Alsis, sketch from ManiPedi, musical improv from Interrobang, and music from Iliana Inocencio.

The High Five Comedy Showcase debuts at Voltage this Wednesday. The show will be hosted by Jay West and will feature stand-up comedy from Aaron Hertzog, Dan Scully, Andre Johnson, Mikaela Hamje, and Joe Bell.

Tongue & Groove’s “That Time” will play this Saturday and Sunday at The Kimmel Center. The show will ask the audience “If you could go back in time to any moment in your own life’s story, where would you go and why?” to inspire “a collage of improvised theater, dance, and music.”

If you have any Philly comedy news worth mentioning – send it our way with an email to contact@witout.net

The new, monthly, Head of the Class Comedy Showcase debuts this Tuesday at Silk City. The show will be hosted by Oliver Yu and Mike Alloy and will feature stand-up from: Mikey Garcia, Bobby Lorello, Omar Scruggs, Jim Ginty, and Chris Cotton.

Alex Pearlman and Corey Cohen will host Always Remember, a night of comedy headlined by Dave Hill this Tuesday at Connie’s Ric Rac. Also performing on the show are: Ryan Shaner, TJ Hurley, and the Necrosexual.

The Sideshow returns to The Arts Parlor this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with their Musical Revue – a show featuring local improvisers and comedians performing songs around the theme of love.

Also this Thursday, Figment Theater’s roaming, bi-monthly Vagabond Sessions will make a stop at the Adrienne Theater’s Second Stage for a show featuring: Wisdom Teeth, ‘Til Death Do Us Part, the A.D. Showcase with Max Sittenfield and Maggy Keegan, and The Table.

This Friday Chris McDevitt, Benny Michaels, and Alex Magakis will perform at Boyd’s Cardinal Hollow Winery (1830 West Point Pike, Landsdale PA) for The Laughing Barrell.

A second Sideshow on Saturday night will feature the first round of this year’s Troika tournament. The event features randomly drawn teams of three that each have a month to come up with a team name and style of play. Round One will feature teams comprised of: Chris Calletta, Erin Pitts, and Jessica Ross; Alex Gross, Dan Corkerey, and Joe Spampinato; and Alli Soowal, JP Boudwin, and Kevin Pettit.

McGilliCOMEDY At McGillicuddys debuts this Saturday at JD McGillicuddy’s in Manayunk. The show will be headlined by Sidney Gantt, featuring Dan Scully and Keane Cobb and hosted by Sylis P.

Comedy-Gasm! A Night of Multiple Climaxes is this Saturday upstairs at The Irish Pol. The show will feature performances by: Rachel Fogletto, Walter, Brandon Gorin, Elise Thompson-Hohl, L.U.M.P., and Alejandro Morales.

Tonight, Meathook Comedy Presents: 318 with headliner Dan St. Germain at Connie’s Ric Rac. The show will also feature performances by: Alex Pearlman, Alex Pezzotta, Ryan Shaner, and Boston’s Pat Barrett, Shawn Carter, and Gary Petersen and will be hosted by Steve Slaughter.

Comedy Dreamz returns to The Barbary this Tuesday with a show featuring Body Dreamz, Aaron Nevins, JP Boudwin, Phyllis Voren, Nick Lucas, Christian Alsis, High Dramma, Ken BDC Jones, T.J. Hurly and more! Videos by Jesse Miller and Juiceboxxx! With DJs Emilio Airhorn and Wolfcity. Doors open at 9:00, the show starts at 10:00 and, as always, will be followed by a dance party.

Comedian Amy Schumer will perform at The Keswick Theater this Friday. Schumer is known for her many television appearances, her album Cutting, and her Comedy Central special Mostly Sex Stuff. Schumer is the creator, star, and writer for Inside Amy, her Comedy Central sketch show that will debut later this year.

Also this Friday, Gorged! at The Bean Cafe will feature “humorous people doing and saying things to entertain just about everybody. Performers include: Alex Grubard, Sidney Gantt, Marc Kaye, and Jaime Nadell.